4 comments about Rolling Along: Easy Quilts from 2 1/2" Strips : Jelly Roll Friendly.

1. I got this book as a surprise...and then I was surprised when I read through it. I've been aware of Jelly rolls offered in the quilt shops, but wasn't all that interested, until now. What I like greatly about this designer is that you cut the WOF strips in two so that you are just working with a 22 inch strip as opposed to the 44-45 inch width...therefore it will make for better managabiltiy of the strip sets. I have not tried any of the patterns, but I am totally interested in the concept. It is best to read the instructions when previewing a book, not just looking at the designs of the quilts...but that's difficult to do on amazon....



2. Have you seen those "Jelly Rolls" in your favorite fabric store? Ever wondered what on earth you could do with them? Ms. Martin gives you a whole book on just that subject---10 quilts and 3 other projects --- a tote bag, a pillow and a Table Runner. With the 13 projects, you will be busy for a long time.
   
   OK, so you don't have Jelly Rolls and you don't want to spend the money on getting one. Grab some of your favorite fabric and make your own 2 ½ inch strips. The first 17 pages provide you with basic techniques on how to make your own strips, the tools you will need and how to appliqué and quilt. There is even a suggestion for a quick and easy "light box".
   
   Each project shows a photo of the finished item and a paragraph about the item. It gives the finished size and finished block size. A materials and cutting list is provided as well as how to put the blocks together. There are LOTS of graphics so you can be sure you are following the written directions correctly.
   
   The final pages provide the templates needed for one of the projects as well as several paragraphs about the author. All in all, this is a wonderful book that will have you sewing far into the night.



3. This book has a number of good designs, but I think it's misleading to call it Jelly Roll friendly. Very few of the designs would make efficient use of the number of strips contained in a Jelly Roll -- you'd either need more strips, or additional fabric (FQs or something) or you'll end up with strips left over. A much better book, with designs which use the Jelly Rolls more efficiently, is Jelly Roll Quilts by the Lintotts, mother and daughter. I can't remember the mother's first name, but the daughter's is Nicky. It's available here on Amazon.



4. What is a quick, easy and fun way to make a quilt? Use Jelly Rolls!! This book provides patterns that can be used by quilters of any ability from beginner to beyond. They can be used as shown or adapted in any way that you can think of so this book can be used as a jumping off point for your own designs. It has lovely photos and user friendly instructions. The quilts are beautiful and you can make your own 'jelly rolls' so that the content of each pattern becomes unique. This book provides patterns that are easily adapted to each quilter's level of ability and their preferred colour palette.

1 comments about Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: Twenty Wishes (Leisure Arts #4600).

1. The book is in excellent condition as described. The book seemed to take a very long time in shipping from the time I received notification it was being shipped.

5 comments about The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry: A Complete Guide to Essential Techniques (Lark Jewelry Book).

1. I got this book out at the library and fell in love with it sooooo much i had to go out and buy it. It's great!! It has visual pictures to get you through each step and it has many examples of other jewelers works. It even had works of my teacher in it. Great book and great guide. I recommend it to anyone!!



2. and great motivator. This book gives a general overview of many techniques of metalsmithing and has projects that work with each lesson. I think I would have liked more details but I'm also very new to this and need confidence. However I feel like I can complete each lesson successfully after reading this book.



3. Great book. Will appeal to those just starting out with metal-smithing, particularly the tools lists and the projects associated with using each new set of tools. The gallery of work accompanying each chapter is amazing. The projects are easy to follow and the photos allow you to see exactly what should be happening at each stage. I enjoyed the book as a reference.



4. This is a really nice instructional book with great gallery photos and interesting and apealing projects. I particularly like the soldering instruction in this book over the others I own.



5. Joanna Gollberg does nice books. I've got some experience with metalsmithing and this book didn't have a whole lot of new information for me, but she explains techniques very well. The projects are interesting and her gallery shots (pictures of work from other artists) are just incredible.

5 comments about Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books.

1. This book contains NO interesting ideas, NO beautiful pictures, NO inspiration, and NO meaningful journal writing. However, it does contain techniques you probably learned in kindergarten. So unless you are under six, you do not need to buy this book. These authors presumably have created beautiful art at some point, considering their profession as art journal writers and instructors, yet they withhold any and all information on this topic throughout the book. I feel completely betrayed -- I gave them money and they gave me none of their knowledge. I wish I would have considered the advice of those who rated this book poorly prior to my purchase. Although this book was not expensive and I enjoy having a large reference library, I refuse to keep this book as part of my collection because I know I will never gain anything from these pages, now or in the future.



2. A wonderful book that provides tools for anyone who wants to start journaling. And even for those who are experienced there is a lot to read, see and laugh about. The essence of what Karen and Linda want to tell you is that only you can tell your story. No one else can do that for you. The sisters show you that you only need limited supplies to make a start and that you definitely do not need an education in art to do it. Anyone can do it! That is by far the biggest message the sisters give you. It is well written, with a great sense of humor. The layout of this book is beautiful. The examples and explanations of the various techniques are breathtaking. This book invites you to get started right away. It gives you enough inspiration to take notice of and to journal about the humor, the special occasions and the everyday. And to do this in a way that is especially worth while to you.



3. I read Journal Revolution first, and loved this just as much! This book is full of inspiration and ideas for art and life. It is not just a scrapping book or a journaling book. Its really about how you approach art and life. There are fun and unusual projects, cool techniques, and the best philosophies ever. LOVED IT!



4. The title of the book and the reviews here are really misleading. This book has nothing to do with art journalling. Art is art, scrapbooking is craft.
   
   I didn't believe the other negative reviews here because they all went on about how they were artists and they already knew the stuff here. But their reviews were much more accurate than the 5 star reviews.
   
   If you want to collage a little book together about your life, the things you love etc, then this, and every other book by this publisher is for you. There are hundreds of books out there and i'd say this one is a little thin on ideas to be worth choosing over other scrapbooking books.
   
   Basically this book talks about painting the background, using rubber stamps and rub-on letters, colouring in photocopies, and cutting up paint sample sheets from the hardware store, as though they were new ideas.
   
   There are cute ideas in here, and the book talks you through how to inspire yourself. But i honestly can't see any difference between this an all the other books out there trying to cash in on the scrapbook industry. of which i am not interested.
   
   If you want to make an art journal, something that an artist uses to develop their work and ideas, then you're going to be let down. You wont be given ideas for drawing materials, or how to combine materials to accentuate your own drawings, how to develop ideas further and present them thoughtfully.
   
   This book actually assumes you have no drawing or creative ability at all, suitable for some, but not for those wishing to create an art journal/sketchbook. I suspect the author/publisher put the word art in the title to purposely mislead people like me. I'm seriously tempted to return this book since the title is so misleading.



5. This isn't a bad book, but for me it didn't prove to be a very good one either. I will admit to getting some ideas from it, but found it pretty basic for the most part. I really didn't like any of the pages the authors did and wasn't really inspired by any of it. I have to agree with the other reviewers who said this is more like cut and paste scrapbooking and not art journaling. If you want a book about doing crafts, this is a good one. If you want a book about doing art, then save your money.

5 comments about The Art of Resin Jewelry: Layering, Casting, and Mixed Media Techniques for Creating Vintage to Contemporary Designs.

1. I can hardly wait to experiment with the projects in this book. Sherri Haab has provided valuable information about making and using molds. The book has plenty of pictures. She provides pictures of several types of resins that can be used and recommendations for uses. Each project has pictures and the instructions are not monotonous. I love this book!



2. Book clearly shows current products and provides warnings about some of the more toxic products one can use. Several articles on making your own molds and has pictures to clarify text. Being new to resin I found it a very useful first book. While I will use it for jewelry I will also use it for
   making parts for model railroad parts. Resin is low cost enough to experiment. Will use it for faux amber, love the stuff, but real amber is way too expensive and color variations are hard to find.



3. This book does a good job introducing one to the different uses and types of resin but the projects and work within are pretty crafty. Resin has the ability to transform an object when used in unique ways, I wish this book demonstrated that.



4. This book takes the mystery out of working with resin. It explains mold-making in good detail and provides useful info for choosing the right raw materials. Not every artist can also teach, but Ms. Haab is skilled at both. The book is well laid out, not repetitive, and provides sample projects along with a list of necessary materials. Many of the projects are not my style preference, but written descriptions and pictures are clear and can be used for inspiration. Published in 2006, it is recent enough that the raw materials are still relevant and available.



5. Ever since I saw my first superchunky, gorgeous colored resin bangle, available for sale at an online store back in the early 2000's, I have been intrigued by the mystique of always different resin jewelry. Yes I kick myself to this day that I never bought that bangle!
   
   Now I spot brilliant fabulous clear resin jewlery, with pretty silver embellishments, and inlaid semiprecious stones, for sale online. I see resin as well on etsy with yummy looking real candy pieces or sprinkles and glitter floating cheerily in the molded colorful bangles or pendants.
   
   Well, I have finally broken down and bought my own how to book, from the best teacher around, and I am thrilled! Now that I own this award winning book, The Art of Resin Jewelry, by Sherri Haab, I can stop looking and start doing! Having already "devoured" this great book, I plan to get to work (or to play!) as soon as possible! I am hoping to stretch my imagination to the fullest, and to see what I can do as well, with resin as my launching pad!
   
   Sherri Haab is the perfect guide for a neophyte like me! I need HER clear writing style. I need the fun of seeing the variety of her projects, such as her high art "Pod Bead" bracelet, shown in two colors, and her ultra hip Techno Polymer Clay Bezels (which obviously use more than just resin as the medium you work with). That second project I just mention comes from a whole section in the book she offers which is called "Combining Resin With Polymer Clay". Everthing is so fascinating!
   
   The author is straightforward in her writing style and her book is great, in the manner in which she assists the reader to take the intial steps toward learning how to create coated resin, casted, molded or combined medium resin jewelry.
   
   Not only did she produce this super cool book, she has a website where you can pick up the things you will need to create you own jewelry (molds, resin, colors, powders, bracelet blanks, ring blanks and more) without going through the sometimes confusing process of wandering around in a local craft store or even two, looking here and there and checking and rechecking your list of required resin needs you have to obtain to get started. This book and her site will get you started. Who knows were you will end up!
   
   I love this book! I am please with the saftey precautions she is careful to explain, I love the projects, and I feel that this is a terrific all around crafting book!

5 comments about The Cute Book.

1. This book is great for what it is but I thought there would be a bit more variety. There are plenty of different types of little animals to make but they are almost all made of a tiny stuffed body and head with flat felt arms and legs. Sure they are cute, but I won't make more than one of these so it isn't worth the cost.



2. The title of this book is really appropriate. This is such a cute book! The instructions and illustrations are so clear, even a 5 yr old could follow them. Coincidentally, this is also the age I would recommend this book to. Anyone with small children who can follow simple craft instructions would love this book. My 4 yr old was so excited when we received it in the mail, immediately flipping through the pages and figuring out what he wanted first! LOL Actually, I suppose kids up to Pre-teen and burnt out adults who are looking for a simple "no stress" weekend craft project would like this too! All in all, it's just a silly, fun and CUTE book that really has no purpose but brightens up your day. =)



3. This is the first book in the Aranzi Aronzo "Let's Make Cute Stuff" series and the title says it all. This book contains patterns for making 19 different little felt Aranzi Aronzo dolls (if you aren't familiar with the Aranzi Aronzo characters, check out the Aronzo website, www.aranziaronzo.com - they're sort of like the Sanrio/Hello Kitty characters, only with more personality). Each doll is about 3-4 inches in height and they are very easy to make. I've made two of them so far, and each took me only a couple of hours. The book, itself, is beautifully presented, it is in full colour, with fully illustrated instructions (these illustrations make the instructions so easy to follow that you don't even need to read the words).
   
   People who enjoy this book should also consider purchasing the other books in this series: Aranzi Aronzo Cute Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff) (which contains patterns for larger versions of the Aronzo characters featured in this book), Aranzi Aronzo Fun Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff) and Aranzi Cute Stuff; as well as Lovable Mini-Dolls, which is not an Aronzo book but contains patterns for making Japanese felt dolls.



4. On the first day I had this book I made six mascots! What a fun and satisying book this is. You need only felt, embroidery thread, glue, and needle and scissors! My 8 and 10 year old daughters could make them and my 4 year old son loves playing with them. Wool felt or partial wool felt works better than acrylic felt since it's easier to cut and looks neater and less fuzzy than acrylic felt.



5. Crew currently making sock dolls and wanted a book to help me with how to attach arms and legs and ideas for clothes. I thought this was such a book that really the patterns aren't anything you could use as they are too small and the instructions aren't very good or complete. I don't really like the book and wish I could return it

5 comments about The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask (Answer Book (Storey)).

1. I had this book from the library, and I used it quite a bit when I had it. Now that it's gone back, I've found myself still wanting to look up certain things as problems arise in my work. I guess that means I should get my own copy!
   
   It's fairly basic, and is probably a little too simple for experts. But for someone starting out, it's a handy little reference. It has formulas for how many stitches you need to make a circle, the basics on Tunisian crochet, information on where to put your hook, and lots of other stuff. It's not a stitch dictionary or a pattern book. It's just a small volume of answers to commonly asked crochet questions and, as such, it works quite well. I would have preferred that it was spiral bound, though; this format is a little hard to use when you're in the middle of crocheting something.



2. This little book is a great resource. It is NOT a pattern book but a comprehensive reference book about all aspects of the craft of crocheting. I am turning to it often to see if it has some ideas or suggestions about questions or problems that I am having with a crocheting project. Often it offers a variety of solutions or options for each question or problem. I think it is a very useful book to help anyone improve the quality of their crocheting, and in the process increase their enjoyment while working on a project and their pride and satisfaction with the final product.



3. If you crochet or want to learn, no matter what your level of experience with this craft, you must have this book. Any question that you have while working on a project (or before getting started) is answered right here in a clear manner that will not leave you pulling your hair in frustration. So many crochet books answer questions horribly, assuming that you know too much, or answering so badly that even more confusion is created.
   
   Buy this book and don't put it on your bookshelf. Keep it always in your project bag, so that you can reference it instantly as you work. You will never regret purchasing this volume!
   
   The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question Youj'll Ever Ask is all that the title suggests! It's also the perfect gift for any crafter you know!



4. I just taught myself to crochet only a few months ago. I was hesitant to buy this book because I did not think I was "advanced enough" to need it. However, as I was thumbing through it at a craft store, I realized it was just what I needed. Just reading it armed me with a much greater understanding and grasp of crocheting. I have tackled many new projects with little difficulty - any time I get confused or overwhelmed, all I have to do is flip to the appropriate section and everything becomes clear. This book is a must-have for any level. I know it will help me as I progress in the complexity and intracacies of my projects.



5. Has great info. Will be my reference when I get back to the needles.

5 comments about The Art of Bead Embroidery: Techniques, Designs & Inspirations.

1. I totally agree with the writer who said you should purchase Jamie Cloud Eakins book, Beading with Cabochons, first. It contains more explicit 'how-to' information and is my all time favorite book on how to work with cabochons. Having said that, this book is full of beautifully photographed works of art. The authors hope you'll use the book as a jumping-off point to make your OWN fabulous beaded pieces and not just copy theirs. You won't be disappointed with it.



2. As a long time beader and lover of bead embroidery I have to say this is the best book on the subject I've ever seen. Each project is unique and has very complete instructions. I want to try everything in the book. Wonderful artistry and talent from both authors.



3. Excellent book for those who want to create stunning, beyond "just stringing", bead jewelry. Heidi and Sherry are the gurus of the field.



4. This is a beautiful book, both in the photos and the way it is written.
   But if you can only afford one book, I think Eakin's "Beading with Cabachons" is a better one to start with.



5. The main reason I purchased this book is the type of work that the authors create. The second reason is because I have met her and her husband in the past as we all have a biker lifestyle.
   
   She lives in my area. Her work is so magnificent that it is scary. I looked at this book very carefully and was just in awe. She and her co-author were destined to meet and collaberate. Spelling stinks sometimes!
   
   These ladies have the talent that beads the band! They are queens of jewelry making. The items are beautiful beyond words. And yes, I plan on using their pieces as ideas for my own envisioned pieces but my skill level is just entering intermediate. I discovered that stringing is not something that I want to do full time. I have been looking all over for info on very intricate pieces that I might be able to attempt to make.
   I live in Butler, PA and was just very happy to see there really are other beaders in western PA.
   
   Ladies, keep up that most dramatic and beautiful work. Keep writing books so I can keep on keeping on!!!!
   
   HIGHLY recommended.
   Thank you.
   Jeanne Zimmerman

5 comments about Mastering Beadwork: A Comprehensive Guide to Off-loom Techniques.

1. This is an excellent book for beaders who are looking for new ideas or need to refresh themselves on seedbeading techniques. I have been doing off-loom beading for over 4 years and I found the book very helpful. Both the written instructions and the diagrams are very clear and easy to follow. The spiral-bound style of the book allows it to open flat so you can easily see it while you are working. I found the specific projects were ones I might actually use, unlike some books where I can't imagine anyone wearing the final product. There were good general tips throughout the book as well. This book was recommended to me by another beader; I would recommend it to others as well.



2. I have been an avid beadwork artist since the age of 12. Im 33 now, and have leared LOTS of stitches, techniques, and variations--from all over the world.
   This book is fantastic! It has a lot of great project, most of them are somewhat advanced i suppose. Very clear pictures, and it is spiral bound, which makes it really easy to follow the steps if you need to.
   I highly reccommend this book it truly is a wealth of projects, and you can use it for inspiration too.
   10 stars!



3. This is not a book for beginners. For example, the first project uses basket-weave crimp end findings and a ball and socket closure and requires the beader to teach herself how to solder the jump rings closed. Yikes, that is a lot to ask. Most projects have incomplete directions, enough to get started, but not the step-by-step details needed for the entire project. Illustrations are not clearly marked with color or arrows to indicate the direction in which to progress. Difficult to follow.



4. Myself being a newbie to beading this a "must" book to have.
   
   Masting Beadwork by Carol Cyper (http://www.carolcypher.com/) is a well written, detailed, colorful hardcover, coiled seam beading book.
   The first few chapters walk you through as to what you need & what you need to know. Directions in the book are easy to follow along, colorful photographs, with detailed directions.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to beading or anyone who wants to experiment with some new patterns in beading.



5. If you've mastered peyote, brick stitch, square stitch and want to take your beading to new projects then this is the book for you. If you are just starting out this book will give you the confidence to try new things. It is concise, clear and a joy to use by beginners and those of us who have been beading for years.

5 comments about Pretty Little Pincushions.

1. There are a lot of designs in this book that use materials that you already have in your sewing room (mostly felt), and they are quick to make. My favorites are the bottle cap pin cushions, they are addicting! Some of the designs pictured in the book give you ideas of how to modify the basic pincushions, but there are no specific instructions on how to make those modifications. It may be a problem if you want to recreate a particular design and don't know how to start. There are also suggestions on how to decorate the pins themselves. Overall, it is a very fun and well written book with lots of illustrations and photographs.



2. This book is pretty in itself. Photographed beautifully, creative and inspiring. Instructions are complete, but can sound more confusing than they need be. I look through it every night just for the joy of it and, have been inspired to two designs already whilst accumulating the bits and pieces for more. It's addictive.



3. My book came quickly and in very good condition so I am very happy with it. I have made a few pincushions from the book so it is worth having!



4. Love, love, love, this book! I only wish this book's quality represented that of the majority of "how to" books. Every single project is beyond my willpower to withstand - The only downside is that I can not decide on which darling bundle to begin. I may simply have to work on several at once.



5. This is a great book!! There is a big variety of styles in pincushions. You are sure to find many that you will want to make. I'm glad I have the book.